Iranian Toddlers Are Taught about Martyrdom and the Hatred of Zionists against the Backdrop of the Gaza Fighting

Following are excerpts from an Iranian children's show which aired on Channel 1, Iranian TV on December 29, 2008.

TV host: Tell me, children, you are all wearing kaffiyeh scarfs. What are you trying to show? That you are friends of the Palestinian children, and that you are all worried because of what is going on. What did the enemy do? It turned the oppressed children of Gaza into martyrs. It turned their families – their parents – into martyrs as well. These children were defenseless. They were so young that they didn't know anybody but their parents. Except for strolling down the street and looking for a flower to smell, these children didn't do anything. They didn't understand what war is. They didn't understand what murder, massacre, and crime are. They didn't understand what evil is. But before they had time to grow up, they got a taste of the enemy's evil.

[...]

We all loathe those enemies. We all loathe them. We are furious at them. We identify with the Palestinian children.

[...]

Suppose we put ourselves in the position of the Palestinian children – why not? Kids, let's put ourselves in the position of the Palestinian children – of the children of Gaza. What do you think we would do if we were in their position? Would we surrender, or would we fight back? You tell me...

Children in unison: Fight back.

Child: We would all get together so we could fight...

TV host: ...the enemies and the bad people. That's right, we would struggle against them and fight them. What do you say?

Second child: Our country... We must...

TV host: ...defend it...

Second child: We will struggle until we win.

TV host: Well done.

[...]

I am willing to sacrifice myself. I am willing to sacrifice my arms, my legs, and all my limbs, my family, and my property, in order to achieve my goals.

[...]

Children, let's pray for all the children of Palestine and Gaza. Let's pray, because you are pure at heart. You are innocent children. No matter where you live in the world, you children are very pure. You are as white as snow, and as clear as running water.

[...]

Dear God, these are difficult times. These days are full of pain and suffering. These are unbearable times for the children of Palestine and Gaza. Dear God, give them more patience and endurance.

Children in unison: Amen.

TV host: Dear God, we ask you to resolve their problems.

Children in unison: Amen.

TV host: Increase their perseverance, their patience, and their abilities.

Children in unison: Amen.